Oscar-nominated British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor has suggested that his acting skills may not extend into dancing.

The Londoner, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave, said that during rehearsals for a stage play last year he was removed from a dance scene, with his character "conveniently relocated".

The 37-year-old told The Times: "Don't ask me to dance. At the Young Vic last year I was rehearsing for A Season In The Congo.

"There was a dance sequence, but they politely removed me from it. I was conveniently relocated."

Ejiofor also said in the Times that he is colourblind, and that after painting a tree the wrong colour in art class he decided "it wasn't for me".

Ejiofor was named best leading actor at this year's Baftas but was pipped to an Oscar in March, with the statuette going to Matthew McConaughey for his role in Dallas Buyers Club.